We make use of cookies to enhance your user experience. By clicking "OK" without altering your cookie preferences, you are giving us your consent to use cookies. For further information, please read our information on the use of cookies.OK

Four days after a high-intensity clash with Real Madrid CF, and at the end of a punishing run of seven games in 22 days, their trip to the BayArena was never going to be straightforward. And yet Tuchel surprised more than one observer by starting teenagers Pulisic (18) and Dembele (19) alongside Julian Weigl (21) in midfield. He later brought on Emre Mor (19), leaving the more exerienced Nuri Sahin (28) and FIFA World Cup winner Mario Götze (24) on the bench.

The Leverkusen defeat should serve as a useful lesson. Dortmund struggled to deal with Bayer's high-intensity pressing, and their youthful midfield failed to create many clear-cut chances. Still, Tuchel will consider the inability to break down more physical opponents as an integral part of their development process, and will encourage his young guns to learn from their mistakes.

It would also be absurd to place responsibility for the loss squarely on the shoulders of Dortmund's rising stars, as Gonzalo Castro pointed out after the game.

"We made too many mistakes that we wouldn't usually make, especially in build-up play," he admitted. "But Leverkusen's tactical set-up was excellent. We need to learn from this so that we do things better in the future."

Castro also drew parallels with Dortmund's defeat to Leipzig on Matchday 2, when they failed to break the deadlock and conceded a late goal at the Red Bull Arena.

"Leipzig and Leverkusen have similar systems. They both defend very aggressively, high up the pitch. It's always difficult against teams like that, because they make it hard for you to settle into a rhythm."

Gonzalo Castro came off at half-time against Leverkusen due to a minor groin complaint.

"Of course we wanted to make the most of Bayern dropping points," said captain Marcel Schmelzer. "But there's still a long way to go and the team is finding its feet. We're taking our time."

Dortmund will have a little time to recharge their batteries during the international break, even if many players have headed off to play for their national sides. Tuchel will no doubt be relying on his bright young things again when the Bundesliga resumes on Friday 14 October, with Dortmund looking to steal second place from high-flying Hertha Berlin.